HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, making the selection process crucial for enthusiasts. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g stands out with its heavier actuation force, characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile that gives an exhilarating feedback to those who appreciate a more pronounced typing sensation. Its smooth feel, combined with a 'bouncy' and 'creamy' performance, makes it an appealing option for users looking for a dynamic and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switches reimagine the beloved Black Cherry Pies with a custom-molded design that emphasizes convenience and performance. These switches deliver a creamy, elastic feel that is both bouncy and enjoyable, along with a signature poppy sound that enhances your typing pleasure. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their distinct audio-visual experiences and tactile sensations offer different vibes for users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh BCP both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which contributes significantly to the auditory experience and tactile response of the switches. The nylon material is well-regarded for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is largely due to nylon's inherent softness, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches deliver a more subdued auditory feedback, creating a richer typing experience that is less harsh on the ears compared to switches made from more rigid materials.
When considering the housing design, it's noteworthy that both switches feature nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to a similar overall sound signature and typing feel. This uniformity means that both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Kailh BCP will exhibit parallel characteristics; they will produce a rounded sound profile and a satisfying tactile feedback. Since the top and bottom housings are the same across both switches, the qualities offered by each are entirely synergistic, ensuring that the overall sound and feel is consistently pleasant, regardless of which switch you choose to use.
One area of comparison lies in the impact each housing has when the switch is actuated or released. While both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Kailh BCP share the same materials, their overall performance relies on how each contributes to the sound and feel during different phases of use. The bottom housing will significantly influence the bottom-out feel and sound, while the characteristics of the top housing will be more prominent when releasing the key. Since there is no variance in material, users can expect similarly satisfying results in both switches, providing a cohesive typing experience strengthened by nylon’s inherent qualities.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the actuation forces reveal notable differences that may influence user preference. The HMX Cloud requires an actuation force of 56 grams, while the Kailh BCP has a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams. This difference means that typists might find the BCP switch easier to press, allowing for longer typing sessions with reduced finger fatigue. However, both switches share an identical bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which indicates that they both experience the same level of resistance when pressed down completely. Consequently, while the Kailh BCP is the lighter switch in terms of actuation, both switches provide a similar bottom-out experience. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extended use, the BCP may be the better option, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial feel could opt for the HMX Cloud.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the HMX Cloud has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, whereas the Kailh BCP measures a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the HMX Cloud switch provides a more pronounced keypress experience, appealing to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming, while the Kailh BCP, with its shorter travel, offers quicker response times that may be advantageous for gaming enthusiasts. Ultimately, those who favor an overall more responsive experience may lean towards the Kailh BCP, while users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke might opt for the HMX Cloud switch due to its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. This sharp and snappy sound profile resonates well with those who enjoy a crisp, bright acoustic feedback while typing, creating a lively atmosphere that enhances the typing experience. Despite not having a detailed description, the Kailh BCP switch is noted for its signature poppy and clacky sound profile as well. This suggests that users can expect a similarly engaging auditory experience, although the exact tonal qualities may differ slightly given variations in design and construction. It's clear that both switches cater to enthusiasts who appreciate a pronounced sound, with the BCP also hinting at a delightful clicky response.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g excels with its combination of a bouncy and creamy typing experience. The bouncy nature provides an elastic feedback that contributes to a lively and responsive keystroke, while the creamy element ensures a smooth and effortless touch, making each key press feel effortless and gliding. On the other hand, the feel of the Kailh BCP switch remains mostly unspecified. However, the legacy of the Black Cherry Pie design suggests a potential for a tactile and enjoyable typing experience. Without more precise details on the BCP, it is challenging to draw a direct comparison, but given the reputation of its predecessor, users might still find satisfaction in its tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Kailh BCP linear switches offer unique audio and tactile qualities that cater to keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloud switch stands out with its distinct clacky sound profile and a wonderfully smooth yet bouncy feel, making it ideal for users who prioritize an engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, the BCP promises a similarly lively sound but lacks specific details on its feel, which leaves some unknowns. Ultimately, while there's a clear association with sound profiles, the feel may vary, depending on personal expectations and preferences. Both switches can create an enjoyable typing atmosphere, allowing newcomers to explore each option and find what best aligns with their style.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing. If you enjoy a typing experience characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp feedback, and prefer a bouncy yet silky smooth action, then the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is likely the switch for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force is ideal for those who appreciate a little more resistance, giving you a tactile engagement that feels satisfying with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for something that balances a poppy sound with a unique, elastic feel while simplifying maintenance, the Kailh BCP switch might be your best choice. With its signature creamy, viscous sensation, it offers a delightful typing experience that feels responsive without the need for disassembly, making it a great option for casual users or gamers who want seamless operation. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize the specific auditory and tactile sensations of the HMX Cloud or the bouncy, user-friendly mechanics of the Kailh BCP.
Mentioned in this article
